Introduction: "You have to check out the Quantum booth and look at the
new Smoke Reel!" The talk on the ICAST floor among many press and buyers
centered around Quantum's
low profile casting reel. We eagerly awaited our appointment late in the
afternoon and when we finally made it to the booth we were greeted by the team
at Quantum including KVD, who gave us a look at just what everyone was so
excited about.

Introducing the new Quantum Smoke
Pt

Smoke PT: Anglers, complain no more that
the Quantum low profile casting reels are so darn heavy because this reel is
lightweight and so hot that it's smokin'. The new Quantum Smoke PT received a
ton of buzz at ICAST as retailers praised the reel's performance
specifications and cosmetics

Low profile and super lightweight

Product Manager Chris Strickland of Quantum
described the new Smoke PT series of baitcasters in one tell-all sentence --
"It's unbelievable to offer a reel this lightweight, this smooth, at a price so
low." And I believe we agree with Chris' comment. The Smoke PT is phenomenal as
it could be the lightest all-metal reel to be produced. The 100 size models
weight only 6.2 ounces and the 150 size weighs in at only 6.8 ounces.

Bob Bagby explains to JIP and Cal
how the Smoke PT was designed

Though lightweight the Smoke PT doesn't sacrifice durability like some other brand of reels. The reel features a solid one-piece lightweight aluminum
frame with aluminum side covers rather than magnesium.

Depending on model it either uses
the Micro ACS II or the Infinite ACS II cast control system

The Smoke PT is available in 9 different models
with different gear ratios -- size 100 in left and right, gear ratio of 7.0:1
and 6.3:1, 150 size in a fast 7.3:1, 6.6:1, and a cranking 5.3:1 speeds. All
models being offered will have both right and left hand retrieve when release
this September except the cranking model which will only be a right at the
moment. The 100 size will retail for only $199 while the 150 size will go for
$219.

Frontal view of the Smoke

The handle is cut out and uses EVA
knobs for weight reduction

Tour KVD Left-Handed Burner: Today it seems
that many anglers are shifting to the high speed reels as their everyday go to
reel using them to toss almost everything they have in their tackle bag. Last
year when the Tour KVD casting reels were introduced they all come in right
handed models only. There seems to be demand for a lefty model so here it is, a
Tour KVD in left hand retrieve in the Burner speed of 7.3:1.

Tour KVD high speed reel now in
Left Handed retrieve

Specification wise the high speed lefty is the
same as the right handed siblings. The reel will still retail for $299 and will
be available in the coming months.

Antix Casting: Again mentioned in other
articles that the reels below $100 are hot sellers because manufacturers today
can make a high performing reel but offer it at a great value. Take for instance
the new Quantum Antix baitcaster. This is the highest of the non-PT series but
has the guts to stand up to serious power fishing.

Introducing the Quantum Antix, $89
dollars only

The Antix features a one piece machined aluminum
frame that's rigid and ergonomic. The low profile reel is actually the first in
Quantum to receive their new dual cast control technology which is a combination
of an externally adjustable DynaMag system plus an internal ACS centrifugal
system. A dual brake system is obviously growing as you see other manufacturers
also sporting similar designs in their casting reels, and the double system is
proven to help at different stages of a cast. The new low profile reel houses 10
stainless steel bearings (9 + 1) and a Continuous Anti-Reverse to complete the
package.

A look at the handle

Antix is the highest of the non-PT
reels

Two models are offered with the Antix, a high
speed 7.0:1 and a slower 6.3:1 gear ratio, both in right handed retrieve.
Available between the months of November 2010 to January 2011, the Antix casting
models will retail for only $89.